Rolland Edward Wood, 91, longtime resident of Decatur County, passed away peacefully March 19, 2018. Rolland “Woody”, the youngest of four children, was born August 5, 1926 to Robert and Stella (Sherlock) Wood of Rikers Ridge in Madison, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Emmett Wood, Clara Dischinger and Nelda Kramer.
Woody learned early in life the trade of developing, growing and selling fruits and vegetables in his family’s greenhouse business which supplied thirty-seven community groceries in Jefferson County. He developed his easy going manner of meeting and greeting people with his entertaining stories, jokes and smile as he delivered the produce. Always inquisitive, he had a thirst for knowledge and education. He excelled in his studies, basketball and always dreamed of learning how to fly airplanes. He graduated from Madison High School in 1944. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Serving his country in the South Pacific Arena, he stationed in the Philippines where he earned the rank of sergeant with duties of sergeant major before returning to attend Purdue University. Woody married the love of his life of 69 years, Willadene Jackson on November 26, 1948. Woody and “Willie” moved to Decatur County a few years later to help farm the family’s Burr Oak farm alongside his bride’s parents, Paul T. and Martha Jackson. He helped design and build the largest beef feedlot in Southern Decatur County, and later focused entirely on grain crop production before retiring in 1991. He continued his love of gardening and sharing the produce with friends and neighbors all the while. Always innovative, he continued his quest to improve farm equipment and the land. He was awarded 1986 Decatur County Conservation Farmer of the year. He developed a patent during those years as well. He was a member of the Rural Couples Club, Greensburg Masonic Lodge and Sandusky United Methodist Church. His childhood dream came true when he earned his private pilot’s license and joined the local flying club. As much as he loved watching the crops grow and tending to the land, so dear to him, his true loves were sharing in raising and watching his children grow with Willadene. Children and spouses: Paul (Carol) Wood of Littleton, CO, John (Ilyce) Wood of Moorpark, CA, Cheryl (Bill) Behrman of Lake Mary, FL, and Carol Wood of Mesa, AZ. Adding to the fun are 8 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. While his wit, charm, stories, love and devotion will be dearly missed by his family and friends, we trust he is resting at peace. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
A visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, March 24 from 12:00 pm until the time of the Funeral at 1:30 pm. Burial will be held at the South Park Cemetery. His son in law Bill Behrman and Rev. Richard Waddle will be officiating. The family gratefully requests any memorials be donated to Our Hospice, the Heart Association of Decatur County, or any charity of your choice. You are kindly invited to share memories and condolences at www.gilliland-howe.com
